Sony Closes SCE Liverpool Studio [CONFIRMED]

WipEout Developer/Psygnosis Is No More

Breaking reports suggest that Sony has closed their Liverpool Studio, the oldest and most experienced first-party development team in the European division. Sony Liverpool developer Sandy Lobban tweetedthat it's "the end of an era today," backing up a report on the GRcade forums. Sony has apparently confirmed the closure to CVG, suggesting that they're looking to relocate the employees.

Originally known as Psygnosis back in the Amiga days before being bought out, Sony Liverpool proceeded to bring us WipEout, G-Police and Colony Wars. We've reached out to Sony for comment.

UPDATE: Sony has confirmed the studio's closure in a lengthy statement that praises SCE Liverpool's contributions. We've got it in full below.

“As part of SCE Worldwide Studios, we do regular reviews to ensure that the resources we have can create and produce high quality, innovative and commercially viable projects in an increasingly competitive market place. As part of this process, we have reviewed and assessed all current and planned projects for the short and medium term and have decided to make some changes to our European Studios.

It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed. Liverpool Studio has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios since the outset of PlayStation, and have contributed greatly to PlayStation over the years. Everyone connected with Liverpool Studio, past and present, can be very proud of their achievements.

However, it was felt that by focusing our investment plans on other Studios that are currently working on exciting new projects, we would be in a stronger position to offer the best possible content for our consumers. Our Liverpool Facility will continue to operate, housing a number of other vital WWS!E and SCEE Departments.

This should not take anything away from the great work WWS are doing and the incredible games and services that we have made, and continue to make.”

We hope that the employees are found new positions within SCE's infrastructure, and salute the achievements of one of Britain's oldest, most influential and downright awesome studios.